The Philippines comprise a vast island nation in Southeast Asia. This archipelago of more than 7,000 islands boasts sandy beaches, towering mountains and volcanoes, tropical rainforests and an incredible wealth of natural resources and biodiversity. Humans have called these islands home for thousands of years, predating historic records. Today, the Philippines incorporate a staggering number of languages, ethnic groups, religions and cultures. Despite its status as an emerging market, however, nearly half of all Filipinos still earn less than $2 a day. Adequate sanitation, access to healthcare, and access to potable water are still daily challenges in this widely underdeveloped country. The large port city of Tacloban is no exception to these maladies.

The Cangumbang Center, located on the southern side of the province, is categorized as an agricultural area and is known to be flood-prone in which, during rainy or typhoon season, knee-high deep floods are common. The children we support at this center come from families with meager income, most often with just one parent who works in the informal sector as most families struggle while waiting for harvest or planting season every year. Thanks to our work with our volunteer coordinators, and with the support of Children Incorporated sponsors, we help provide children with the opportunity to rise above the difficult socioeconomic circumstances from which they come.